party leader
Officially, John Tyler ran for vice president as a member of the Whig Party. The Whigs advocated for Congressional power, economic protectionism (in this case, the restriction of foreign trade,) and the modernization of the country.
However, once he was in office, he proved to be a Whig in name only. Tyler constantly struggled with the Whigs over bills, often making decisions that left them unsatisfied. What brought the tension to its peak was a disagreement between Tyler and the Whigs regarding the regulation of tariffs. While Whigs wanted very high tariffs, Tyler vetoed two bills that would raise them beyond what he desired. At this time, it was rare for a President to veto a bill. Presidents before him were also more likely to veto a bill based on constitutional grounds, rather than policy. His use of power to block bills also clashes with the Whig ideal that Congress should have the most power within the government, rather than the executive branch.
This continued struggle led the Whig Party to organize the first impeachment proceeding in United States history against Tyler. However, the Whig Party did not control enough of the House of Representatives for the impeachment to be carried out by majority rule.
However, once he was in office, he proved to be a Whig in name only. Tyler constantly struggled with the Whigs over bills, often making decisions that left them unsatisfied. What brought the tension to its peak was a disagreement between Tyler and the Whigs regarding the regulation of tariffs. While Whigs wanted very high tariffs, Tyler vetoed two bills that would raise them beyond what he desired. At this time, it was rare for a President to veto a bill. Presidents before him were also more likely to veto a bill based on constitutional grounds, rather than policy. His use of power to block bills also clashes with the Whig ideal that Congress should have the most power within the government, rather than the executive branch.
This continued struggle led the Whig Party to organize the first impeachment proceeding in United States history against Tyler. However, the Whig Party did not control enough of the House of Representatives for the impeachment to be carried out by majority rule.
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